Gifting tips for a more sustainable winter holiday

Hoarfrost

Early-morning hoarfrost coats trees and bushes in snow-covered Alumni Park. (Photo by Jeff Miller / UW–Madison)

With the winter holidays fast approaching, many of us are thinking about gifts for our family and friends. Below we offer several suggestions for how you can give more sustainably.
  1. Donate to a meaningful cause Often you can make charitable donations in someone else’s name. It’s a great way to give something meaningful and support a cause that’s near to your recipient’s heart.
  2. Focus on experiences rather than objects Instead of another electronic gadget, consider gifts that incorporate time spent together. Tickets for a concert, a camping trip to a local park, or even a home-cooked meal are all ways to convey your care without focusing on objects.
  3. Buy less and buy well Think about value and longevity rather than quantity. Instead of buying two or three gifts for your significant other, consider something that will last a long time and that will really make an impact.
  4. Wrap with intention Pretty wrapping is fun, but it’s usually used just once. Unwrap carefully and reuse the wrapping paper next year! Even better, try switching to gift bags when possible, as they can be reused many times. Plain brown packing paper and newspaper can also be great alternatives to dedicated gift wrap. If you really want to use brand new gift wrap, try to find a roll with as much recycled content as possible.
  5. Shop locally and shop small Support your community and reduce your carbon footprint by shopping at small, local businesses.
  6. Explore your creativity Consider making rather than buying gifts. Time to break out those knitting needles and paintbrushes!
  7. “Gift” random acts of kindness The holidays are about gratitude and kindness. Give freely and you will surely receive the same.